Buckle cover

ABSTRACT

A buckle protector for preventing contact between an overall buckle and an automatic dryer. The protector comprises a buckle cover having a button hole for receiving the buckle button, and an adjusting element for adjusting the protector to more firmly enclose the buckle. The buckle protector is used by first attaching the protector to the buckle button that would receive the buckle. The protector is attached to the buckle button by passing the buckle button through the button hole made in the protector cover. When the button is secured, the cover encloses the buckle and tightened over or around the buckle.

RELATED PATENTS

This application is related to and derives priority from U.S. Provisional application 60/934,442, which is included herein by reference. The title of provisional application 60/934,442 is Cover for over-all buckles that protects the dryer, the buckle reducing noise from the buckle contacting the drum, which was filed Jun. 13, 2007.

FIELD

The present invention is a cover for over-all buckles, wherein the cover prevents contact with a clothes dryer rotating drum. Thereby preventing damage and noise resulting from the contact.

BACKGROUND

A belt buckle is a buckle, a clasp for fastening two ends, as of straps or a belt, in which a device attached to one of the ends is fitted or coupled to the other. It is said to have been invented during the Elizabethan era by Italian blacksmith Tomaso Kellioni. Others say the Persians introduced it to the Romans after their conquest.

“Overalls” are trousers with an attached front patch covering the chest and with attached braces (called suspenders in the USA) which go over the shoulders. Some people use the word “overall” for this garment only and not for a boiler suit. In British English such a garment is usually called a pair of dungarees.

Bib overalls are usually made of blue denim and often have riveted pockets, similar to those on blue jeans. Bib overalls have long been associated with rural men in the U.S. South and Midwest, especially farmers and railroad workers.

Overall braces are usually attached by buckles of a particular form. This form of buckle comprises a buckle body attached to the overall brace and configured to receive a button attached to the chest-covering portion of the overall. The buckle is usually made as a narrowing clasp that receives the button and grasps the button more firmly as the buckle is drawn upward.

Worn primarily by workers, overalls must be washed quite frequently. However, over-alls are also worn in different forms, even in the form of buckled braces for supporting trousers, skirts and dresses.

A general problem arises with the use of buckled braces: contact of the brace buckle with automatic dryers creates substantial noise as well as causing damage to the buckle and the dryer. What is needed and has not been provided is a means for protecting the buckle, dryer and reducing noise from drying overalls.

Objects

It is therefore an object and benefit of the present invention, a enclosure for an overall brace adjustor and buckle that protects the adjustor and buckle while the overalls are washed and dried.

A second object of the present invention is a brace adjustor and buckle enclosure that prevents the adjustor and buckle from scarring or scraping the rotating drum of an automatic dryer.

A third object of the present invention is a brace adjustor and buckle protector that is simple to apply and is inexpensive to make.

And another object of the invention is a protector that may be made in a variety of styles, patterns and colors.

Other benefits and advantages of the invention will appear from the disclosure to follow. In the disclosure reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. This embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made in details of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the objects and advantages of the present invention, herein is disclosed a protector that encloses and protects both the b race adjustor and buckle of an overalls brace.

In an exemplary embodiment, typifying other possible embodiments of the invention, a protector for overall buckle and braces adjustor, the protector comprises a cover for the buckle and braces adjustor, the protector includes a button hole for receiving the buckle button, and an adjusting element for adjusting (tightening or loosening) the protector. In the exemplary embodiment the protector wraps around the brace adjustor and attaches to the overall button.

The invention is used by first attaching the protector to the buckle button that would receive the buckle. The protector is attached to the buckle button by passing the buckle button through the button hole made in the protector cover. Once secured in the manner described, the cover is manipulated to enclose the buckle, and is made to enclose the brace adjustor and is then tightened over or around the buckle and brace adjustor.

More detail is provided in the accompanying drawings and the description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates the general form and shape of an overalls bib, strap, buckle and buckle adjustor in relationship to overalls.

FIG. 1B illustrates the general structure and form of a buckle adjustor, buckle and button.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary form of the buckle protector.

FIG. 2B shows protector cover attaching to the buckle button.

FIG. 3A shows the protector cover enclosing the buckle, with Velcro for adjusting the protector.

FIG. 3B shows the protector enclosing the buckle adjustor, the buckle, while attached to the buckle button.

FIG. 3C shows the protector used with a buckle adjustor of a different configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An Exemplary Embodiment

Details of the invention are disclosed by the accompanying figures and through the following description.

FIG. 1A illustrates the general form and shape of an overalls bib 100 having a button 200. The button 200 is received into and held by a brace buckle 300, which is part of the overalls brace 400. The buckle 300 has a brace adjustor 500, for adjusting the brace strap 600.

FIG. 1B illustrates the general structure and form of the buckle protector. FIG. 1B shows the brace strap 600, the buckle 300, which is receiving and holding the button 200.

FIG. 2A shows protector cover 2010 for attaching to the buckle button 2200 by passing the button 2200 through a button hole 2030 made in the protector cover 2010. A Velcro strip 2040 is shown in FIG. 2A. The Velcro strip 2040 is used for closing the protector around a buckle and buckle adjustor.

FIG. 2B shows the button 2200 held by the hole in the protector cover 2010. A first Velcro strip 2040 and second Velcro strip 2050 is shown in FIG. 2B. The first Velcro strip 2040 is attached to the second Velcro strip 2050 when the protector encloses a buckle and buckle adjustor.

FIG. 3A shows the protector cover 3010 enclosing the buckle 300 and the buckle adjustor 500. The protector 3010 is closed about the buckle 300 and tightened by the Velcro strip 2040 in FIG. 2A and the Velcro strip 3050 in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3B shows the protector 3010 closed about a buckle, button and buckle adjustor.

FIG. 3C shows the protector 3010 prepared to receive a buckle 300 having a buckle adjustor 500 wherein the button 3200 is received by the hole 2030 shown in FIG. 2A The protector 3010 is wrapped around the buckle 300 and buckle adjustor 500 and secured by means of the Velcro strip 3050 (also see—

It will be appreciated that the general shape and style of the protector may be varied according to the desires of a manufacturer and user. For example, the protector may be made in the shape of cartoon figures, animals and the like.

DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

The present invention, a buckle protection device, has been disclosed by description of an exemplary embodiment. The exemplary embodiment is not intended to limit the general structure and function of the present invention. The scope and limitations of the present invention are delineated by the claims that follow. 

1. A protector for an overall buckle receiving a button, the protector for preventing contact between the buckle and a clothes dryer, the protector comprising an adjustable cover for the buckle, the cover enclosing the buckle and adjusting to better fit the buckle by an enclosure adjustment, the cover further having a hole for receiving and holding the buckle button.
 2. A protector for an overall brace buckle, buckle adjustor and buckle button, the protector comprising an adjustable wrap for enclosing the buckle, buckle adjustor, the protector having a button hole for receiving and holding the buckle button.
 3. A method for protecting a clothes dryer from abrasion by an overalls buckle and buckle button, the method comprising: providing an adjustable encircling for encircling the buckle, the encircling wrap having a hole for receiving the buckle button; passing the buckle button through the protector hole, and; encircling and adjusting the protector about the buckle; whereby the protector prevents the buckle and the buckle button from contacting the dryer. 